Major plans for Newcastle House

The Hong Kong businessman who owns Newcastle House has signalled his intention to apply for planning permission for a major development at the historic house.

The Hong Kong businessman who owns Newcastle House has signalled his intention to apply for planning permission for a major development at the historic house.

The plans, if they come to fruition, will see the provision of accommodation, and a state of the art swimming pool on the site which is amid the picturesque setting of Newcastle House along Ballymahon’s famous River Inny.

Last week, Mr Hau Yan Lee trading as Newcastle House, signalled his intention to apply to Longford Co Council for permission to convert the main courtyard buildings into 40 guest rooms and to convert the existing derelict back courtyard buildings into cafe/tea rooms, changing facilities, gym and hot tub area. It is also proposed to convert a loft space to a guest apartment and to construct a 149 m sq single storey swimming pool building on the site. It is believed the plans also include the installation of a snooker room and glazed links in a small courtyard and the construction of a further 18 bed guest room facility and guest apartments.

It is also proposed to carry out developments to outbuildings, wall gardens and associated ‘protected’ structures.

It is thought the application will be submitted in the coming week to the Co Council.

When contacted by the Leader, Mr Lee was not available for comment, however local area representative in Ballymahon Barney Steele (FF) said that if the plans for Newcastle House come to fruition, “it will serve as a huge financial boost to our town”.

“Newcastle House and its grounds are among the most stunning in Ireland,” Cllr Steele added. “There has been a lot of interest from people inquiring about weddings and I also know that concert organisers have also considered Newcastle House as a venue.

“There is no doubt that it holds massive potential and developments there would really financially boost Ballymahon; it is such a beautiful setting and it would be fantastic to see Newcastle House being utilised to its maximum potential.”

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